A message from Mark Runacus, Outvertising Chief Executive Officer:
Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2021!
At this time I’m sure you’ll be reading lots of reflections on 2020 and predictions for 2021. From my Outvertising LGBTQ+ perspective 2020 was overshadowed by mental health issues.
So many of my queer colleagues found lockdown really difficult: loneliness, work and money worries, living with others less tolerant, and more. It was tough and continues to be tough. At Outvertising we did what we could by having regular open house Zoom chats, but I know that’s no replacement for face to face, supportive, human contact. The main message we shared was, you’re not alone.
On a more personal note I think 2020 made me braver. In such strange circumstances I felt able to take decisions that hitherto I wouldn’t even have considered. For example, in my day job we decided to close our office permanently. That was such a weird feeling; my optimistic colleagues were telling everyone “we’re virtual” but inside I was thinking “we’re homeless!”
Despite the COVID crisis Outvertising achieved a lot in 2020. There’s more about that coming up. And I want to say Thank You to the team for everything they’ve done. For hard work, for LGBTQ+ activism, and for enduring friendship.
We have an even more ambitious plan for 2021. And if you’re not yet directly involved, we are looking for volunteers to help us deliver that plan: to make brands and their creative and media partners more LGBTQ+ inclusive, to create positive role models, and to erase prejudice. So if you’re thinking of a 2021 resolution, you know what to do. Get in touch. It would be great to see you.